This course examines the climate change problem in terms of vulnerability and adaptation from scientific, societal and policy perspectives. There is now a certain amount of unavoidable climate change, and therefore there a need to adapt to these changing climatic conditions and their consequences. The need to adapt and the kinds of adaptation responses necessary will depend on how the climate changes at a specific location over time, whether the direct or indirect impacts are positive or negative, and  the capacity of people and systems to respond. In considering climate change vulnerability and adaptation as a field of study we focus on key theories (conceptual frameworks), methods and sources of information. Key concepts include the IPCC assessment framework, risk, ‘co-benefit’ and ‘no-regret’ policy responses, and adaptation evaluation criteria. Analytical methods covered in the course include climate change scenario analysis and conceptual modelling. Learning approaches include lectures, online modules, workshop discussions and group work, and practical data analysis exercises.  These are assessed in written assignments, including a major report analysing the climate change adaptation policy of a nation. Most course material is available online to enrolled students but practical exercises require attendance in person.

The course is run from 1-10 July 2013

On satisfying the requirements of this course, students will have developed the skills and knowledge to:

1. Describe the kinds of climate change adaptation responses that may be necessary and the risks, costs and benefits that these may entail
2. Understand key theories, analytical methods and sources of information for climate change adaptation.
3. Critically consider the elements of effective climate change adaptation policies at national and sub-national scales.

• Three short written assignments (45% of total mark) (LO1, LO2);
• A critique of a climate change adaptation policy of a nation (2,000 words plus references, 55% of total mark) (LO3).

Climate Change Economics & Policy (Crawford School); Energy Politics & Governance (Crawford School)

IPCC, 2007: Summary for Policymakers, in "Climate Change 2007: the Physical Science Basis.  Contribution of Working Group I to the Fourth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change", eds Solomon, S et al., Cambridge University Press.
(see http://ipcc-wg1.ucar.edu/wg1/Report/AR4WG1_Pub_SPM.pdf)

IPCC, 2007: Summary for Policymakers, in "Climate Change 2007: Impacts, Adaptation and Vulnerability. Contribution of Working Group II to the Fourth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change", eds Adger, N et al., Cambridge University Press.
(see http://www.ipcc.ch/SPM13apr07.pdf)

IPCC, 2007: Summary for Policymakers, in "Climate Change 2007: Mitigation of Climate Change. Contribution of Working Group III to the Fourth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change", Cambridge University Press.
(see http://www.ipcc.ch/SPM040507.pdf)

Stern, N, 2006: Executive Summary, "The Economics of Climate Change", Cambridge University Press.
(see http://www.hm-treasury.gov.uk/media/4/3/Executive_Summary.pdf)